Mercy Bariatric Surgery

Diets, pills and exercise are not effective for 98% of those patients classified as morbidly obese, which is defined as being 100 pounds over one’s ideal weight and causing such health problems as heart disease, diabetes and depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, bariatric surgery is the only long-term effective treatment for morbid obesity.

Mercy Bariatric Surgery

Mercy Bariatric Surgery approaches weight loss by surrounding its patients with a medical and support team. Patients meet with physicians, dietitians and behaviorists, among other health care specialists, who help evaluate co-morbidities (illnesses or conditions associated with obesity) such as hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary disease, sleep apnea and diabetes. Our bariatric surgery procedures are performed at Mercy Medical Center–West Lakes, a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, located in West Des Moines.

Mercy Surgical Affiliates surgeon, Dr. Mark Smolik is a highly experienced and advanced minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) surgeon. He performs over 99 percent of the bariatric surgeries using this minimally-invasive technique, the benefits of which include:

less scarring;

shorter hospital stays;

less blood loss;

less risk of infection.

Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Candidates for bariatric surgery include individuals:

With a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or those with BMIs of 35-39 with co-morbid disease. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. This easy to use chart will help you find your BMI.

That are at least 100 pounds above ideal weight with a history of obesity and documented weight loss efforts provided by health care professionals.